Though the like is a tad harsh, the eye contact, exposure, and foraging pose is great. A pretty rare species in SoCal and you did a good job getting this one. You might try a small crop from the bottom.
Beautiful details and intense stare. I like the composition very much w/ the raised foot. I love the tone on tone coloring of the image. Might tone down few minor spots on leg. Nice and sharp
Nice sharp, intense look, low angle and I like the foot dragging water behind. Light isn't the best. Love these birds too and I could watch them for hours.
Great job James, You did excellent with the light and there is plenty of detail in the shadow under wind. The Karate kid pose is sweet. I might brighten and sharpen the eye a bit to make it pop. Congrats